St. Vincent is the kind of place that surprises cruise passengers who expect the usual packed beaches and shops.
The port is new and full of potential, and with no big crowds pushing you around, you can experience normal island life and a variety of shore excursions you won’t soon forget.
What Makes St. Vincent a Port of Opportunity
The modern port in Kingstown opened at the end of October 2025.
Larger cruise ships can now dock right at the terminal instead of using tenders, and passengers can get off much faster than before. This is why more and more cruise lines are adding this stop to their eastern Caribbean itineraries.
But even though an eastern Caribbean cruise brings thousands of visitors into the region regularly, St. Vincent has kept away from becoming a mass tourist spot…at least for now.
Plus, being the gateway to the Grenadines is a big advantage. Speedboats leave from the port area and head to small islands with excellent snorkeling opportunities and beaches, giving cruisers even more adventures in the region.
The Best 5 Shore Excursions in St. Vincent
There are plenty of short excursions you can enjoy in St. Vincent, so if you’re looking for variety, you won’t be short of options. A quick packing tip: bring water shoes for any activities involving water, sturdy sneakers for hikes, and, of course, a lot of sunscreen.
Cool Off at Dark View Falls with a Short Walk and Swim
Just a short ride from Kingstown is where you’ll see two waterfalls drop into swimmable pools surrounded by ferns and vines. The lower falls are an easy stroll across a bamboo bridge, and the pool at the bottom is perfect for a quick dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the higher one.
Visit the Old Botanic Gardens
These gardens are just minutes away from the port. They’ve been around since the 1700s, with huge trees and plants from all over the world. There are also parrots you can watch from up close while they’re in their enclosures. Guides can tell you about the history, but you can also just wander on your own.
Hike Up La Soufrière Volcano
This guided hike to the crater rim is hard to beat. A driver takes you partway, then the trail goes through the forest and open areas up to the top, where you can look right into the steaming active volcano (don’t worry, it’s being monitored). The entire trip takes a few hours, and the guides ensure everyone stays safe and informed, so don’t attempt it alone.
Kayak Along the Coast in Clear-Bottom Boats
If water activities are your thing, you’ll love this one. You can rent a transparent kayak and paddle over shallow reefs where you’ll see fish, turtles, and coral without even getting in the water. Of course, you can stop to swim or snorkel if you want, and the calm bays make it easy to float around and take it all in.
Check Out the Pirates of the Caribbean Set
Lastly, we have something for the movie lovers, especially fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Wallilabou Bay still has bits of the old set from the first film, and locals who worked as extras or helped during filming don’t mind sharing quick stories about the actors and crew. So, if you have pop culture nostalgia and want to take it easy, come here to swim and snap some photos for your Insta.
Final Words
A day in St. Vincent is a day well spent. The shore excursions fit cruise schedules perfectly, and no matter which one you go for, we know one thing: you won’t regret it.